Stone Care

Slate is one of the most traditional natural-stone materials you can choose for your counters, particularly in the kitchen. Centuries before dark granite slabs became popular in North American kitchens, slate was predominant in residential interiors, mostly in the New England colonies. Slate is highly metamorphic, which means it will go through changes as time…

Natural-stone fireplaces will never go out of style, particularly those that feature elaborate surrounds made with creamy Carrara marble, but they can easily lose their visual appeal if they’re not given proper maintenance. The marble itself will last for several decades, but its appearance can become compromised by soot, ashes, and even common stains such…

Rust stains can form on just about any type of surface, and they’re likely to occur on natural-stone tiles and slabs because of their chemical composition and molecular structure. For example, whenever you see rust-like coloring and veining on light slate or marble, there’s a strong chance iron deposits are present within the stone, and…

The beauty of natural stone makes it one of the most popular materials for bathroom countertops, but it’s still susceptible to surface stains, particularly from makeup and personal hygiene products. Even the least porous natural stones such as slate, granite, and soapstone can be stained by lipstick, mascara, and other types of makeup if not…

When it comes to choosing a natural-stone surface for kitchen and bathroom counters, homeowners pick granite for more than aesthetic reasons. Some people believe marble looks better than granite, but granite is stronger and more resilient than marble because it’s less porous, thus making it more attractive for countertops. However, it’s still prone to etching….

Located to the southwest of the Vatican, the Baths of Caracalla are home to some of the most impressive masonry work from Roman times. This ancient structure contains more than 220,000 cubic feet of marble ornamentation that required about 600 skilled masons to install over many years. When you visit the Terme di Caracalla these…

The potential of soap and other personal hygiene substances building up on natural-stone surfaces shouldn’t dissuade you from installing them in your bathrooms. Likewise, you shouldn’t despair when you notice soap scum stains on your stone countertops, shower walls, or tub surrounds. Just about any personal hygiene product has properties that could create a chemical…

Long before American homeowners fell in love with granite and marble, slate was a favorite construction material for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Historical structures covered in slate can be found in Pennsylvania, particularly in communities where German immigrants settled in the 17th century. Slate is known to be more durable than marble, thus explaining…

Bathhouse ruins in places such as Caracalla, Bath, and Wiesbaden are certainly magnificent, but they would look even better these days had ancient builders been able to develop a sealant formula. Marble and travertine, the most commonly found materials in ancient bathhouses, happen to be very porous and absorbent, which means they’re susceptible to water…

Lenny Sciarrino (aka Lenny S) and Lenny Pellegrino (aka Lenny P) grew up in the family business and are co-founders of Granite Gold®. Buy NowWhere to Buy

The shiny and polished look of natural-stone surfaces is made possible by three factors: finishing, cleaning, and sealing. When natural-stone tiles and slabs are extracted from quarries, they go through a fabrication process intended to make them look as regal as possible. The finishing stage of natural-stone fabrication can result in various styles. The polished…

Marble may be a timeless stone in terms of interior decoration and aesthetics, but this does not make it an eternal construction material. If this was the case, quite a few ruins from ancient Greece and Rome would still be around and in better shape. Even though marble is durable, the metamorphic nature of this…

Introducing natural stone such as granite to motorhomes is a great alternative to the materials traditionally used in the manufacturing and remodeling of these vehicles. Most options in the market these days are synthetic materials such as polyester carpeting, ceramic, laminate, and vinyl tiles. However, some high-end RV makers such as Prevost were known to…

Etching and staining are two common forms of damage to natural stone that can occur at the same time if the stone is not properly sealed. Depending on the type of liquid spilled on your countertops, it may leave a visible stain, or it may cause a chemical reaction called etching. When your stone develops…

Stone countertops can add an element of character and an artsy feel to a living space. Whether you choose limestone, travertine, granite, or another type of natural stone to embellish your floors or countertops, it will stand out from ordinary tile and other alternatives. Winter is an interesting season to have stone floors or countertops…

Ceramic tile and granite are both popular options for flooring, shower surrounds, and even countertops. While both offer many options for customization, there are several ways granite comes out ahead. Granite is a versatile, beautiful, and long-lasting material that can complement any décor. Here’s why granite is a better choice for your home than ceramic…

Most fireplaces and hearths are made from brick, which can become unsightly after years of cracks, chips, and paint. Incorporating natural stone can restore the glory to your fireplace and make it the centerpiece it should be. Using natural stone also means an end to repainting the fireplace with beauty that lasts a lifetime. The…

When most people think of stone countertops or showers, they likely think of marble or granite. However, there are more than a dozen popular types of natural stone that can be used for everything from shower enclosures to flooring. One option you may be overlooking is slate. This beautiful stone boasts a unique appearance and…

The Story: Food tastes better cooked over a fire. We had a neighbor who cooked us dinner many times in their brick BBQ, which was basically 3 sides of brick, open on the fourth side, standing on top of the ground. Moving provided me the perfect opportunity to build my own. I wanted something a…

Natural stone is one of the most popular materials for home renovations. It can be used for countertops, showers, floors, patios, backsplashes, and more, with plenty of benefits you can enjoy for decades. If you’re planning to install new countertops or flooring in your home, make sure you don’t fall for these common myths about…

Your shower is where you start each morning to soothe tired muscles and wake up for the day ahead. If you’re planning to remodel your bathroom, you want a shower that’s easy to keep clean yet beautiful and comfortable. Natural stone can accomplish all of these things with natural elegance and style. Here are five…